I have a new home in Northern VA and am in need of an ERV unit to get some fresh air into the house and the stale air out. I initially was considering a simpler (and cheaper) air ventilation system, but after reading the many posts here decided that an ERV would be a much better solution. I have a geothermal system and believe that conditioning the air intake on the ERV is a more efficient solution.

I did some research and found the Broan HEPA Filtration + Energy Recovery Ventilator (Model GSEH3K) which I can buy for $900. This unit is the perfect size for the house and has the added benefit of having a HEPA filter built in. I also like that you only need to make one penetration to the outside of the house using the Broan Y vent connector they have - the other brands require 2 seperate vents to the exterior.

Does anyone have experience with this unit (or other Broan ERV's). Can you speak about the quality? Is there a better system you think I should be looking at. I read over the spec sheets for Honeywell and Fantech ERV's. The 200 CFM Honeywell unit was $600 more expensive (the Broan is rated at 277 CFMs at the optimal duct lengths). The Fantech units, while lower in price, didn't quite match the CFM needs I have and they make you buy a lot of the parts needed separately.

The other question I have with the Broan GSEH3K model is that the install manual did not show the ERV controller being tied into the HVAC system fan. Both Fantech and Honeywell manuals show that option. The other Broan ERV install manuals (for the non HEPA models) also show an ability to connect the ERV contoller to the HVAC fan. Is there something special about the Broan ERV HEPA model that would preclude this type of hookup.

Thanks very much for the help.